Valentine’s Day is here. What better way to celebrate love than with murder and suspense? Here’s my pick of 10 books that should send your suspense juices flowing. I’ve listed them in alphabetical order along with my quip cuff notes.

If you don’t have someone beside you this Valentine’s Day, why not curl up with a few great books. And – if you do have someone beside you, be sure he or she is who you think they really are.

DEATH NELL by Mary Grace MurphyCan food bring two people together? Sure, over a dish of cold murder. Making your heart glow, this is maturity at its finest. Loved this first book from indie author Mary Grace Murphy. Like her character Sam, I don’t think she knows I’m writing about her. Hopefully, she’ll take it well.

FRAME-UP by Jill Elizabeth NelsonFrom snowstorm to the frying pan, nothing like being saved and then becoming a murder suspect. Good thing she has a great man by her side to rev up her tingles.

LOVE IS MURDER by Sandra BrownFrom International Thriller Writers, a short story anthology from authors such as Lee Child, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Heather Graham, Allison Brennan, and more. These will pull at your heart: bodyguards, vigilantes, stalkers, serial killers, men and women both in jeopardy, cops, thieves, P.I.s, and killers all in the midst of romance, love, or downright lust.

MEGAN’S MARK by Lora LeighFor those who really want to go out there, this is a world where altered Breeds and the humans who created them cross the boundaries of desire. Murders and passion go hand in hand and Cupid gets on the run. Read this one in private.

MOTIVE FOR MURDER by Carol J. Post“Motive for Murder” gives you some love-inspired suspense. Nothing like a death to make the heart grow fonder between two people who want to “keep it professional,” but sometimes principles get in the way of the heart.

SCORCHED by Laura GriffinIs the relationship over? You know it’s not. But they don’t know it yet. Love in the midst of an international mystery, what could get your heart beating faster?

THE SEARCH by Nora RobertsA canine search and rescue volunteer who finds love in the Pacific Northwest wilderness. Be wary of the puppy eyes. This is Nora Roberts doing what she does best: being Nora Roberts.

SILENCE by Debra WebbTime off? Nope. Special Agent Jess Harris is about to be reunited with a love from the past. It’s anything but a relaxing break and stickier than Valentine’s candy.

SWEET SURRENDER by Maya BanksNothing like a cop getting close to his suspect. She’s everything a man could want. Maybe more than he can handle. This should leave the bathroom mirrors steamy.

TELL ME by Lisa JacksonIf you’re soapin’ for a crime-solving woman also looking for her heart, from Killer Nashville’s upcoming 2014 Guest of Honor, here’s a story where you don’t know who to trust. Scenes like those in the shower are a bit much for me, but my wife tells me that these are the things Valentine’s dreams are made of.

This should give you something to read for the next few days. Get in touch with these authors, learn about them, check out their other series, and buy their books. And tell them you would like to see them at this year’s Killer Nashville.

Until next time, read like someone is burning the books!

– Clay Stafford is an author / filmmaker (www.ClayStafford.com) and founder of Killer Nashville (www.KillerNashville.com). As a writer himself, he has over 1.5 million copies of his own books in print in over 14 languages. Stafford’s latest projects are the feature documentary “One of the Miracles” (www.OneOfTheMiracles.com) and the music CD “XO” (www.JefferyDeaverXOMusic.com). A champion of writers, Publishers Weekly has identified Stafford as playing “an essential role in defining which books become bestsellers” throughout “the nation’s book culture.” (PW 6/10/13)

Remember that these books are listed at a discount through Amazon. You also don’t have to purchase the version that is featured here. Many of these books are available in multiple formats: e–book, hardcover, softcover, and audio. Enjoy!

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About Clay Stafford

Clay Stafford is an author / filmmaker (www.ClayStafford.com) and founder of Killer Nashville (www.KillerNashville.com). As a writer himself, he has over 1.5 million copies of his own books in print in over 14 languages. Stafford’s latest projects are the feature documentary “One of the Miracles” (www.OneOfTheMiracles.com) and the music CD “XO” (www.JefferyDeaverXOMusic.com). A champion of writers, Publishers Weekly has identified Stafford as playing “an essential role in defining which books become bestsellers” throughout “the nation’s book culture.” (PW 6/10/13)